I'm looking at buying a 2003 Magna TS for the missus as a family car. A mate told me they have electrical problems and are un reliable. Does anyone else have any prior or second hand knowledge on them? I've done a bit of googling but most reviews seem to come from the lay person.

 

It has semi low k's, arount 130k. Full service etc....

 

The missus is bang up on it just because of the looks (black, tints, 18's, spoiler etc) but I don't know enough to know if its something thats going to last.

 

Everyone is telling me to get a falcon for reliability and I agree but I promised the miss I'd do some research on the magna.

 

Cheers in advance.

 

Edited March 17, 201016 yr by blzbub666

AFAIK the late magna's are a pretty decent and reliable car, I have not seen any faults on them as yet, I think the majority of people don't like magna's due to the earlier versions being a BOS, Just keep up it's servicing and don't let the auto fluid get dirty also check to see if the rear plugs were done.

Rear plugs are iridium and the front are conventional plugs from factory. The only electrical issues I've known them to commonly have is the car loosing the codes for the keys and remotes and having to reprogram them. Like Trev said keep the maintenance up and they are fine for a fwd 6 cylinder.

Edited March 17, 201016 yr by AE70

What plugs do you mean? Spark plugs? Do they have two different kinds?

torch it.

torch it.

Great advice, cheers mate thats awesome.

What plugs do you mean? Spark plugs? Do they have two different kinds?

 

Yes, many FWD V6's are known to run a different type of spark plug from front to rear. Iridiums are usually used in the rear bank as they last longer. The front plugs are usually just run of the mill as they are easy to change.

Right, gotcha. Never been near a 6cyl FWD before. All new to me.

 

How are FWD 6's for CV joint wear?

Edited March 17, 201016 yr by blzbub666

My dad owns a TH magna, 99 model. Absolutely great car, was driving it last night and tell ya what I would pick it over a commodore/falcon any day of the week. A bloke at my old work used to work at the mitsubishi factory and he beleives the '01 magna onwards are a heap of garbage, apparently the 'knock sensor' is a common problem and expensive to fix, and according to him, quite un-economical. He agrees with me that the TH is the best magna for reliability and in my opinion, looks too.

Is the knock sensor a factory problem that is resolved once fixed? If so I could check the service history and see if its been done.

Edited March 17, 201016 yr by blzbub666

I offer this advice purely as a car broker... ie: someone who processes about 20 cars a month, some of which I buy to order, some I buy myself to recondition and sell. Everything from 2k shitboxes to 70k Landcruisers.

 

I don't touch anything with a Mitsubishi badge unless the client specifically requests it.

 

That is all.

timing belt i think needs replacing every 150 thou kms?use a timing belt kit if available?this is easy mate as you have plenty of room between the chassis and front timing cover.

oil leaks on rocker covers,i suggest you replace the rocker cover on the right and left banks using genuine gasket as aftermarket just expand and leak in no time.

last thing the rubber plug(60mm diameter?) behind the cylinder head too.

Right, gotcha. Never been near a 6cyl FWD before. All new to me.

 

How are FWD 6's for CV joint wear?

cv`s you can get for $80 trade brand new outer so there are cheap as and i get them from Sydney Drive Shaft.

Ive heard they are thirsty too.

Ive heard they are thirsty too.

 

Stay away from a falcon then...